Draven MacShire

A charmed roguish grin complimented the mirth that would touch upon the blue of his eyes. His voice carried well in a deep baritone and with a height of six foot five he was built more like a lumberjack. Well toned muscular build denoted a hard working man. One sure and quick for his size. Whomever said there was not agility in in a big man? An easy hearty laugh came readily in an friendly way. He had an easy going way about him, one that would flirt and tease if the situation presented itself. Good natured. Celtic plaid kilt and tartan are worn at times in the blues and greens of his clan. Dark raven hair tapered down past his shoulders usually tied back at the nape of his neck. Dark eyebrows to match dipped down near the bridge of his nose when concentrating or thoughtful. Well schooled in the art of weaponry, especially good with the whip.

He had come to the lands of Heathfield establishing the farmlands of Ravanna becoming a wealthy ranch as they dealt in mostly grains, besides his duties as ambassador to the Queen. The rich soil of these lands provided a good harvest each year, bringing in a profit shared. He worked closely with the McDonoughs and Barretts, keeping the lands safe for all whom dwelled within. His children, Gerrard and Autumn, now grown and off on their own do come to visit at times. Those times are always cherished.

He had been married twice, each remembered fondly enough but now remains single, he has no regrets.


Duke of Ravanna of Heathfield

Ravanna of Heathfield was the main farmlands that spread over about five hundred acres of land. Rolling hills and meadows were cultivated to grow a variety of grains such wheat, barley, oats and rye. Corn along with various berries were also cultivated. Cows and goats that provided the milk and apple orchards that supplied all the lands with cider. Ravanna Manor was large and spacious with balconies off of many of the rooms. A large veranda offered summertime enjoyment outdoors when nights were insufferable with the heat. It was comprised of a large living area, dining room, kitchen and a few offices downstairs while the bedrooms of ten guest rooms, one used by Autumn and one by Gerard and one large master bedroom along the whole front upstairs that offered a view of the Crystal Gold Lake from the windows and balcony.

Autumn was known to chase the cook from the kitchen to prepare the evening meal for her family, leaving her to do the larger crowd cooking that was served to the hired help. Employment of a good hundred and twenty men and thirty women to cultivate the fields, apple, corn and berry picking, along with those who tended the livestock. Ten large silos held the grains that would feed the lands throughout the year. A lot of the summer's harvest was canned as more were employed during this season. There was always work available on this farmland as it continued to grow over the years.

 

Ravanna Manor

Things came up as with the best of well laid plans and the dinner was put off to another night. The invitation remained open and Draven looked forward to it. It was a very long time since he entertained company, let alone a lovely lady like Carlotta. Carly. Ravanna was one of the first manor homes built since the wars when the lands were taken back to their rightful heritage. It was the largest farmland, not that Draven's position had always been thus. He was first knight when he came, then an ambassador which he still held that position when needed. There were other ambassadors. He was also part of the Druid Circle. All came as needed. The manor was a sprawling two story ranch style. White trimmed in a federal blue. A huge wrap around porch offered a spectacular view of the lake down from one side of the mountain while the other was of the fields planted with various grains that stretched as far as the eye could see. Ravanna was settled upon a good two hundred acres. The road that led off the main one rounded its way around one side of the lake then half way up the side of the mountain where the terrain leveled off before the incline continued off to one side. The manor could be seen at times from the lake. The McDonough ranch was situated across the lake up the other side of a mountain there. The apple orchards would be the first traveled through of varying kinds, mostly MacIntosh. A variety that was good for both eating and cooking. Draven stood out on the porch enjoying the view.  He was attired in a loose fitting white shirt and black pants with calf height boots of a supple leather having them more like moccasins. A pipe was being enjoyed of cherry tobacco leaving the sweet scent to drift upon the light breeze. One that gave relief from the rather warm day and evening still.

Some things would never change, for the Irish woman, and one of those was enjoying a leisurely ride. Though, as was appropriate, a side saddle would be utilized, due to the state of dress she chose for her presence at the dinner in which the invitation was given for. Having chosen a light cotton fashion, of off white coloration. The half sleeves rested daringly on the edge of shoulders, a slight ruffle to offer more than just a strap in appearance. The square cut neckline was modest, yet daring, and the skirts full without the layers of petticoats or bloomers beneath. She hated confining garments, and the simplistic elegance of the gown would be proof to that. Long dark hair was pulled back into a single braid that rested down the center of her back. She even ventured as far as to wear a bit of makeup. Just a touch of mauve to lips, and a hint of rouge to accent prominence of cheeks. She followed the road in which she was directed, taking in her surroundings with an ever present smile. Soon enough, the manor would be spotted ahead. As she neared, she noticed the figure upon the porch, and soon enough she was able to recognize it for whom it was. The Bay would be urged to speed up the process of travel a bit, though not hurried to make it seem as if she was flying up on the Lord of the manor.

Draven had been watching from the porch as white was picked up first. The pipe spent was tapped out against the rail before being set off to a table there. Something he indulged in upon occasion when he had relaxing time and took to the porch. A swing hung from the roof's support down to one side along with other tables and chairs set out when company was around and too nice out to be inside. He moved down along the way as blue eyes trailed Carly's progress. As she neared, he well took in her attire as he descended the steps to meet her as she rode in. Hand ran down the Bay's nose as he stopped while moving around to offer a hand to help her down. One not to mince words and speak what he felt when seeing her up close. "You are looking very beautiful this night, Carly." Truth was there in his eyes as he hadn't missed her attire nor the way she wore her hair. A smile hitched to one corner of his lips as he steadied her once she was to her feet. Dip of his chin for he quite towered over her as he still continued to study the loveliness of her features. A stable lad was quickly around to see to the Bay as Draven stepped back but kept her hand in his. "I hope you brought your appetite." Smile tilted more as a wink was added.

A genuine smile would appear as he neared the Bay, which would nuzzle his hand when it rested upon the mare's nose. Once around, a lean to place hands upon his shoulders as he assisted her from the saddle. Her own assessment had taken place as she neared, he did cut a fine picture. What a portrait that would have made, him standing upon the porch with pipe in hand. A serene setting, one that set her all the more at ease. Once on solid ground, lift of chin and gaze to peer up at him. "Thank you, Draven. You're looking mighty handsome yourself." A compliment that was meant. A glance and wink towards the stable boy, before the man whom stood before her was given full attention once more. "Yes, I have, but before the boy leaves with the Bay, I need to get the basket secured to her side. Or the stable boys will be enjoying those pies that I brought along." Lips twitched into a bit of a grin, and a glance towards the mare. A large basket was secured to her back. Within it were eight freshly baked fruit pies.

 

He had been so taken in with her, he'd forgotten about the pies! That was not like Draven as he cleared his throat and halted the lad. "Hold on their a moment Damien!" The stable lads would make short work of those pies but more than likely they would have brought them up to the manor. Knowing they would probably get a piece earned than stolen. Hand fell around and down as he stepped away to see to detaching the basket before letting the lad continue with the mare. It was pretty hefty too by the feel of it but then it held eight pies. The lads might get some anyway. Draven would share. A few of his men would be getting such rewards especially the ones he sent to help Carly out. "If you will accompany me.." A sweep of his hand towards the steps as he started that way. Once upon the porch he would hand off the basket to the cook who appeared. She was watching for she would need to be on her toes to have anything needed served almost before asked. It took her both hands to carry the basket in but one of her sons was right there to help her once she was inside. Families worked for him as he was that type to hire the other members as jobs suited. The son served well as a handyman and lugger as needed. Strong and brawny already at the age of sixteen. "Would you like to take a view before we go inside or shall we eat out here?" He was prepared for either.

She couldn't hold back that chuckle, as Draven moved to rescue the pies. Or at least that's how she viewed it, in her playful way. That would lead to a good story, the white knight of pies. Such thoughts only caused her chuckle to be slightly prolonged, before that smile would flourish fully once more. "Of course I would." Stated in that soft Irish lilt of her voice. Moving beside him, as he lugged the basket up the stairs. The woman who appeared with her son at her side would gain the full pleasant warmth of her smile. "There are two blueberry, two raspberry, two strawberry, and two peach pies confined within the basket." Offering to the woman in a helpful manner. She wasn't sure to what all would like, so tried to offer a variety to hit all taste buds best. Attention turned back upon Draven when he spoke. "It's such a lovely day, a view and the breeze would be greatly enjoyed." Offered in return, as focus would shift from him to glance over the landscape viewable from their placement upon the porch. That too had a diversity in which to gaze upon. The glinting of the water as the sun kissed it's surface. The variances of greenery and ripening fruits coloration, intermixed with the wild flowers scattered about. "Such a picturesque view is hard to pass up to enjoy a meal by."

Sally would see to preparing the table on the side of the porch that gave the best view of the Crystal Gold Lake below as Draven escorted Carly along the other side that gave the view of his farmlands. Her son Roy would help her so all was quickly done by the time they would make their way back there. He set a comfortable pace at her side, the pride of the lands, of his part in it all, shone in his eyes making them even bluer still. He pointed out as steps slowed to stop at a certain point. "Barely, wheat, rye, corn." Pointing out the fields where the grains grew tall, the breeze shifting over the tops laden with seed grain that would be crushed into flour. It was like a haze under the sunlight as they moved like waves upon the ocean at this distance. One could breath in that healthy air allotted of very fertile soil. "There are patches of vegetables grown between fields. A grove of cherry trees that can't be seen from here. Wild blue berry bushes are being moved to another few acres to cultivate and tend." His hand lowering to rest against the small of her back as they continued the trek down to the far end of the porch on this side, allowing other views. "We shall eat at a table with the view of the lake when you are ready."

All was taken in, never had she seen such a diversity in fields. So many things planted in one area, back in Cork, some were lucky to be able to cultivate a single crop. "Very fertile lands you have here Draven, and much care given to them. Proof is in the abundance I see before me." Compliment paid, the man had ever right to be proud. Quite an achievement he had accomplished. A glance over at him, that smile unwavering. "Self sufficiency is a grand state to be in. I'll look forward to bartering with you on the end product come harvest season." Moving along, she'd continue to look over the view presented. The heat of the sun brought all scents to life, carried upon the passing of the gentle breeze. "Whenever you feel you're ready to settle and eat, I'll be ready." Glance back at him, that touch of a grin would be proof that the teasing was about to begin. "I'd never stand between a man and his food." Brow quirked ever so slightly. Amusement glinted brightly within those rich chestnut colored eyes. "That would be a dangerous position to stand within." Just a hint of a chuckle to sound, as she glanced back over the roll of the lands.

"Ravanna is the main supply of the four kingdoms. There are other smaller farmlands and many individuals grow their own. What is surplus is stored in case of an emergency or a bad year. Sometimes other kingdoms may need our help during a time of crisis. Some is exported." In short, they kept prepared. It was also why Ravanna was so vast. "I also have some livestock. Cows, chickens, turkeys and the like. The ranches have cattle and sheep so I barter too. All works out well as you are probably noticing by now." As she teased that grin touched more as he stepped closer. The glint in blue eyes holding that devilish quality that hadn't had time to shine like it did again right now. Draven had been a devil in his younger years, although, still not old. "You tempt a man, with your smiling eyes and teasing words." Not something he didn't like as was obvious by the way his eyes searched hers. "A meal could be forgotten easily with you near." Fingers lifted to trace against her cheek in brushing away some strands of hair that managed to escape the braid. "Beauty runs deep." He cleared his throat but his smile didn't leave as his hand dropped back to the small of her back to usher her back along the porch to the adjacent one that went the length of the other side. Here is was more shaded, prefect for a warm night. Torches were lit that jutted out from the rail that would keep insects away. Not all but the more wooded area tend to promote such breeding even when the sun blazed its heat over the open areas. A table was set with a single rose of white left in a vase. His hand fell away as they approached to draw out the chair for her. A white wrought iron ensemble of swirling design that gave it a touch of elegance. He lifted the rose from its container to offer her. "As lovely as the rose that blooms..."

 

                           The Painting

Soft browns would meet those brilliant blues, her smile to form even more with his words. "I assure you, Draven. I'm nowhere as tasty as a meal, or as sweet as my pies." Stated in that hushed tone. Not that she didn't mind the compliment paid, she was a woman and had an ego as big as most. She just didn't put much stock in such things, since they held little importance to her. Her hand would lift to lightly touch the back of his before it would withdraw. "I'd hate to be considered the reason behind a man losing his strength, due to missing something as important as a meal. I could always drape a sheet over my head, if it would make it easier?" This time her soft laughter would sound as the teasing nature continued. Soon enough they were making way to where the meal would be enjoyed, and the view offered to enjoy it by. A glance over the land, then to the rose in offering. Again that pleasant smile would appear, once that so easily reflected within rich chestnut hues. It would be drawn close to inhale its sweet fragrance, then peered up at him over the soft petals. "Yes ... you most definitely are, Draven." A man could be lovely, she found no reason why the compliment couldn't go both ways.

But then again, she even called a few men pretty, much to their dismay, only to be argued over. Though she'd always win in the end, a Cheshire grin in triumph to be given. The rose would lower and she'd glance around. "I take it your son and daughter won't be joining us?" Having remembered his statement prior, of his children also living at the manor. Remembering the look on Gerrard's face, when they met, and how she teased the poor man about her employer JD. That thought would cause just a hint of a grin to appear. After a moment of looking around her, focus would turn back upon him in full.

There was a very good view of the lake from here. Why the manor was build in this particular spot. Her responses were far different than he was use to, especially about putting a sheet over her head. He wondered on his own ability to pay a compliment being so rusty in not having practice for so long. It gave him a strange feeling there for a few moments that maybe this was just too beyond him. He'd grown too old for this. So, he would skip over that which he wasn't sure how to take and go to the next. "Autumn has become engaged to one of the Egyptian men. Zaph he goes by and eventually we shall meet. She is off with him to enjoy the day and Gerrard." Low chuckle there. "Is probably with his cousin Rory over at the stables. "I'm not sure if Gerrard is seeing someone, or more, has his eye on anyone in particular. He would be one to make sure first of mutual feelings before bringing home a lass to meet his father." Which had him curious as he was not one to go where another belonged. He knew little of her but found he enjoyed her company. "Do you have someone you're seeing or fancy in that way?" Mostly for his own knowledge for future reference if needed.

That would gain him another of her smiles. "It sounds like you have a very happy family, Draven. You're a very lucky man." Fully meant, with no teasing involved. It would be his last comment that would have her chuckle, and slowly shake her head. "No, there's no one." Bit of a grin to appear. "Either I'm mistaken for a lad, or men run away from me." Truth and tease intermixed in that comment. Then a remembrance of words her best friend spoke to her. "Though, in fifty years from now, I've been told I'm marrying material." Grin to appear a bit more. "So I guess I have quite a wait yet for such chivalry." Amused glint in those soft browns, would give hint to the fact she was being playful. "How about you? .....Any special lass, or prospects you have in mind for yourself?" Having yet to claim a chair, she'd move to the edge of the porch. At first looking out towards the lake, then she'd slowly turn to face him. Soft browns to seek out those intense blues and hold.

He cleared his throat with a straying glance, her face and attire which didn't hide her womanly attributes before lifting just as quickly. "I would say they are blind. A brow lifted with the next. "Fifty years?" A deep rolling chuckle drew up. "A man to wait that long is out of his mind. That is unless you wanted to wait fifty years. You undermine that which you possess, Carly. I will bet you it will happen long before that, as it should. You should have children one day if Fate allowed, a man that loves you beyond their wildest dreams to cherish you as you should be and in turn love them the same. Children born of such a bond." A shadow passed over blue eyes but was brief as they turned to sweep over the sight there at the rail as he'd come to stand near her. There was a pause to linger as he had asked so would he say of that part of his life. "I was married twice before. My first wife long ago when I was young. She decided when finding she was pregnant to go back to her own dimension to help her family. I insisted to go with her to protect, she turned me down, as a man, as her husband in being capable to do so. For my protection was the excuse given. She took her cousin instead. I heard she died not long afterwards, aged ten or more years to our one. I do not know what became of our son although I believe he didn't survive long either. I know it would have been different if I was allowed to do that which I should have been as a man."

Continued

 

Photos used for Draven is the actor Jude Law. They are used only as a representation of how this fictional character would look. No claims are made to any of the photos on these webpages.